Plaid's Jill Evans is backing a campaign to improve welfare standards for dairy cows in Europe.

'Supporting Better Dairy' also has the backing of Compassion in World Farming, the World Society for the Protection of Animals, and the founders of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream. Together they have launched a European Citizens' Initiative that aims to collect a million signatures calling for new legislation to improve welfare standards for dairy cows. They are one of very few species of farm animal in Europe not covered by specific legislation.

More information at www.happycows.eu.

Speaking after attending the launch in Brussels, Jill Evans said,

"I have the impression that consumers and producers are broadly supportive of this campaign. With so much focus on how our food is produced and where it comes from, it will come as a surprise to many that dairy cows aren't protected by specific legislation.

"This needs to be put right and I'm pleased to support this initiative. I would urge people in Wales who are concerned about animal welfare to sign up in support of this campaign."

The campaign is also being supported by Compassion in World Farming Patron Joanna Lumley who starred in the hit BBC Comedy Series Absolutely Fabulous and cult drama The New Avengers. Ms Lumley added:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for people to speak up for our hard-working dairy cows and send a direct message to Brussels that they need our protection. It’s our chance to say we don’t want to see our cows forced indoors, unable to graze in the summer fields, and to ask the EU to give them the protection they deserve. Other farm animals have specific laws, designed to guarantee a minimum welfare standard for them. Dairy cows don’t. If you believe they should, please sign the Citizens’ Initiative and help make that happen.”

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